Washington (June 30, 2015) - Today, China announced its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) for the international climate summit that will occur in Paris at the end of this year. China currently generates the most greenhouse gasses of any nation and is pledging to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60-65 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, its most aggressive national emissions target yet. The plan also sets a goal of generating 20 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.  President Obama’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last November resulted in the first U.S.-China announcement to commit to reducing carbon emissions.
 

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-Chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse released the following statement:

“When the world’s largest emitter for the first time makes the commitment to cap the pollution warming our planet, there are no more excuses for taking action on climate change. China’s commitment to address climate change is a bright green light from a nation that is embracing green energy.
 
“Opponents of action to address climate change in the United States can no longer point to other countries as an excuse to do nothing. President Obama’s leadership played an integral part in helping China commit to these goals, which is yet another important step on the road to Paris and finalizing a global pact reflecting the agreement of all countries in the world to protect its people and the planet from climate change.”

 
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